When is mosquito season?

Updated on: May 28, 2026

Quick overview

• Mosquitoes become active when temperatures consistently reach around 50°F
• Peak mosquito season in most of the U.S. runs from late spring through early fall
• The Southeast and Gulf Coast have the longest seasons, sometimes running from February through November
• Northern states typically see activity from May through September
• Warm, wet conditions and standing water are the biggest drivers of mosquito activity

If you've ever stepped outside on a warm summer evening and immediately started swatting, you already know what mosquito season feels like. But knowing when mosquitoes are most active, and why, can help you plan ahead and take steps to protect yourself and your family. 

When does mosquito season start?

Mosquitoes are cold-blooded, so their activity is almost entirely driven by temperature. Most species become active once temperatures consistently reach around 50°F. Once they climb above 70°F, activity picks up significantly and breeding accelerates.

In practical terms, mosquito season starts earlier the further south you go. In states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, you can see activity as early as February. In the Northeast and Midwest, most people won't notice them until May in typical years.

At what temperature do mosquitoes come out?

The real surge in activity happens once temperatures are consistently above 70°F. Here's a rough guide:

• Below 50°F: Activity stops; most adult mosquitoes die or go dormant
• 50–70°F: Some activity, but mosquitoes are sluggish and less likely to bite
• 70–90°F: Peak activity; mosquitoes are most aggressive, and populations grow fastest
• Above 95°F: Activity can dip slightly, as extreme heat stresses mosquitoes

When is peak mosquito season?

Across most of the U.S., peak mosquito season falls in July and August, when heat, humidity, and rainfall combine to create ideal breeding conditions. That said, it varies by region. In the Southeast and Gulf Coast, peak activity is often June through October, with some activity year-round in the warmest areas.

Meanwhile, the peak in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions tends to fall in July and August, with activity from May through September. Further north, states normally have a shorter season, typically May through September in the Northeast.

If mosquitoes are making your yard unusable during peak season, Ehrlich’s pest control services can help reduce populations with targeted treatments.

When do mosquitoes go away?

The good news is that activity tapers off as temperatures drop in the fall. In most northern states, mosquitoes are largely gone by October. In the South, activity can persist well into November, though in parts of Florida and the Gulf Coast, these pests may be present year-round.

Even after adult mosquitoes die off, eggs can survive through winter in standing water or soil, ready to hatch when temperatures warm up again. This is why early-season prevention matters just as much as peak-season treatment.

Mosquitoes can make spending time outdoors miserable, and they can pose real health risks, too. Consult our mosquito control experts today to ask about preventive treatments.